What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Montivipera Xanthina Snake Bite
• Near-East Viper Snake Bite
• Turkish Viper Snake Bite

What is Ottoman Viper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Ottoman viper (Montivipera xanthina) is an uncommon venomous snake that is found in the South European and Western Asian countries of Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. The snake belongs to the viper family or Viperidae and is found in altitudes ranging from mean sea level to 9,800 feet (3,000 m). Ottoman vipers can grow to a maximum size of 5 feet or so, but the average adult size is slightly over 2 feet
• The viper is a land-dwelling reptile that is usually seen in rocky hillsides, open grasslands, swamps, and less dense wooded mountain terrain. It has a moderately thick body with a short, yellow-tipped tail. The head is large, slightly oval-shaped and elongate, with a flat and blunt snout; the snake’s head is distinct from its neck
• The Ottoman viper has a yellow, olive, or red-brown body with a series of dark circular or rectangular spots along the sides; the males appear more decorated than females. The belly of the snake is gray-to-yellow and spotted black or dark gray. The snake is mostly diurnal in nature and preys on small mammals, lizards, and ground birds
• The snake is known to be docile with a mild disposition; but can bite suddenly if provoked or disturbed. Ottoman Viper Snake Bites can result in systemic envenomation (venom injection), but fatalities are uncommon. The venom contains hemotoxins and neurotoxins that can cause seizures, bleeding issues, and low blood pressure
• The signs and symptoms of Ottoman Viper Snake Bite may include pain, bruising, and swelling at the bite site, which may be progressively followed by tissue necrosis, headache, nausea and vomiting, abnormal breathing issues, minor paralysis, dizziness, shock, respiratory issues, and collapse, necessitating immediate treatment
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, wound care, respiratory support, and blood transfusions. The prognosis of Ottoman Viper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; deaths have been reported in a few cases from inadequate treatment